LaLiga - Matchday 22 - 11/02/2017 13:00h

February, 11 2017 -

A goalless draw at the Benito Villamarin saw Valencia CF pick up a point against Real Betis, although the team were left rueing a decision by the referee to not award a first half penalty that could have changed the game. The draw ends a run of consecutive defeats for VCF, who are targetting a move up the table in the coming matchdays.

Absent for the Saturday afternoon encounter were Carlos Soler and Ezequiel Garay through suspension, as well as Enzo Pérez and Rodrigo through injury. Coach Salvador 'Voro' González made several changes to his first team as a result.

Home side Betis started strongly, and hit the crossbar through Rubén Castro 7 minutes in. At the other end, Nani set up Santi Mina for a header with a cross, but the Spaniard could not quite connect with the ball.The clearest chance of the first half required preventative action from Valencia CF, as José Luis Gayà stopped an Álex Alegría effort on the line.

The result of the game likely hinged on a big decision by the referee, who waved away an appeal for a penalty from VCF. Martín Montoya's shot appeared to have clearly hit Betis defender Pezzella's arm inside the box, but the official turned down the effusive requests for a spot kick.

Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adán was called into action by Dani Parejo and Rubén Castro had his effort blocked by Eliaquim Mangala before the end of the first period, but the final chance of the half fell to Gayà -whose effort was pushed out by Adán for a corner.

After a goalless first half, Valencia CF took their time in adjusting to play following the restart. Shots wide from Rubén Pardo and against the post from Petros gave the visitors much to think about, and Voro decided to make a defensive change to bring on Aymen Abdennour in place of Aderllan Santos.

A second substitution was a forced one, as Santi Mina needed to be taken off due to problems with his left knee. Winter loan signing Simone Zaza came on to replace him up front.

Diego Alves produced an excellent save from Rubén Castro as Betis upped the pace, with the clock ticking down. Late substitute Joao Cancelo made Adán work with a final stop of the game from the Portuguese's improvised shot, but there was no way of breaking the deadlock and the match ended 0-0.

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